Job Description

Join Us at Wayfinder Family Services: A Place Where Every Challenge Meets Opportunity

At Wayfinder Family Services, we believe every child, youth, and adult facing challenges deserves support—and we’re committed to being their unwavering guide. With a deep-rooted belief in the power of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive, contribute, and grow. If you want to make an impact, build lasting relationships, and create positive change in the communities we serve, Wayfinder might be the place for you!

Your Opportunity to Lead Change

As a part of the Wayfinder team, you won’t just have a job—you’ll have a purpose. You’ll be part of a team of passionate professionals who are committed to providing life-changing services to individuals facing obstacles. Whether you're working with children, youth, or adults, every day presents a new opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.

Why Choose Wayfinder Family Services?

We offer more than just competitive salaries; we offer a community where your work will matter and where your growth is supported. Here’s how we empower our team:

💼 Work-Life Flexibility

• Hybrid schedules available for many roles
• Flexible hours to support your work-life balance

💰 Competitive Compensation & Benefits

• Sign-on bonuses for eligible positions
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Generous 401(k) matching (up to 4%)
• Medical & Dental Insurance with employee-only + family coverage plans
• Paid Time Off: 11 paid holidays, five winter holidays, and a generous PTO policy
• Education Reimbursement: Invest in your career development
• Employee Referral Program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Robust training programs in trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, and clinical supervision for licensure

🌍 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility

• We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
• We actively encourage applicants from historically underrepresented groups, including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities.

🌱 Growth & Learning

• Access to professional development opportunities, including Shared Core Practice Model and Trauma-Informed Care training.
• Be a part of our commitment to best practices in social services.

Compensation:

• In accordance with California law, the expected salary range for this position is posted with this position. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Role Summary

As a Instructional Assistant, you will be pivotal in supporting children, youth, and families facing life’s toughest challenges. Whether you provide hands-on case management, help to develop life skills, or provide emotional support, your work will directly impact the lives of those we serve.

What We’re Looking For:

We’re seeking passionate individuals who embody the values of compassion, integrity, and teamwork. Here’s what you’ll need to succeed:

• A solid commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others
• Experience working in social services, education, mental health, or related fields (preferred but not required)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills—you're a connector, a listener, and a problem solver
• A passion for lifelong learning and professional development
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and work collaboratively with diverse teams
• A growth mindset that aligns with Wayfinder’s mission to empower and support marginalized communities

How you will Impact Change:

• Implements IEP (Individualized Education Plan) objectives under the supervision of the teacher, including lesson plans on individualized goals and objectives such as meal plans and pre-vocational skills.
• Supervises students to ensure the health and safety of the students is maintained. Uses observational skills to remain aware of changes in the behavior and physical condition of the students.
• Provides daily living skills instruction including but not limited to, tooth brushing, showering, dressing, bed-making, toileting, toilet training, and eating.
• Completes detailed documentation/record keeping on student’s individual progress, including maintaining logs on student behavior or incidents for communicating with school staff, parents, and residential staff.
• Transports students to and from school, in Wayfinder Family Services vans or taxis and to and from outings.
• Accompanies students to community-based activities (shopping, recreation, money management, etc.).
• Assists in planning, organizing, and instruction of recreational activities (swimming, bowling, gym, dance, etc.) on grounds and in the community.

Education and Credentials

• Two years of college or Associate’s degree in Child Development, Special Education, Psychology, or related field from accredited college/university.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working with students in special education.
• Experience working with students with moderate to severe disabilities.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class “C” Driver License and approval to drive by Wayfinder Family Services’ insurance carrier.
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age and possess and maintain a safe driving record as determined by Wayfinder Family Services’ insurance carrier.

Employee Wellness and Safety at Wayfinder

Our employees' and clients' health and safety are at the heart of everything we do. To maintain a safe environment, we require:

• Health screenings and adherence to our masking policies where applicable
• Proof of required vaccinations for employees working with unaccompanied minors (The Haven program)
• Exemptions considered for medical or disability-related reasons

At Wayfinder, we believe in our diverse team's strength and collective ability to create meaningful change. Wayfinder Family Services is ready for you if you're ready to contribute to an organization that values your skills, respects your individuality, and fosters your personal and professional growth!

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